My husband and I have fourteen children.  I believed God’s word which says in Genesis 1 v 28 to increase and multiply and fill the earth and in Psalm 127 that children are a reward from him.  The fear of lack did not prevent Brendan and I being open to have the children God had for us.

Psalm 127 NIV has been a great promise to my husband and me.

Unless the Lord builds the house,
the builders labour in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the guards stand watch in vain.
 In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves.

 Children are a heritage from the Lord,
offspring a reward from him.
 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

As our family increased the natural mind will think, “How are you going to feed all these children”.  People used to say to me you must have a huge grocery bill.  We ate simply, plenty of stews, soups and bread made with love.

Brendan was advised by friends to take up a job that promised to provide him with a good wage.  It only meant he was away from home early in the morning and back late at night and did not provide the hoped for riches.

I had given up my job as a teacher to stay at home to look after my children.  So here I was with young children, one being breast fed, others toddlers, some to get off to school, with no au pair, auntie or granny to give a helping hand. I can truly say, “My help came from the Lord who made heaven and earth”.

In the end Brendan got a job that had less income, but a job that fitted around home life so he was not away long hours.  He was able to help me at home and life was not so stressful for all the family.  The birds of the air do not sow nor reap yet their heavenly Father looks after them, how much more will he look after us.  We are more valuable than sparrows.

In 2010 I was diagnosed with terminal cancer.  My enemies of death and cancer had come to my gate. My children came to my aid. They prayed and fasted for me and stood with Brendan and me in that hour of trouble. And God heard their cry and answered them.  God had mercy and healed me.  The God that we believed in to have all these children is faithful and his promise came to pass.  Where would I be if I had not had my children?

We are just back from a visit to Scotland to see my daughter and her husband.  Three years ago they left Switzerland and well paid jobs to be near my son in law’s parents.  His father had failing health for years but died peacefully at the weekend.  They too were there for his parents when they were in need.

I was praying with a young friend of mine whose mother suffered from depression for twenty years.  We prayed for the mum and here is a message I received last week.

“I want to praise and thank God today for mummy’s continued improving good health. Totally miraculous!!  Last day I was home she asked me to help her fill in a new form for her driving licence.  Mummy has not driven for years.”

We do not know what the future holds, but God’s word is true.  Our children will contend with our enemies in the gate.

So a word of encouragement to parents who are struggling rearing young children.  Your work will be rewarded.  And you strong young people out there give your parents a call and see how you can help them.

Blessings,

Angela